How Glass Entrances Can Improve Accessibility and Compliance

Creating an inclusive and accessible environment is no longer just a best practice – it’s a legal and moral responsibility for businesses. In commercial spaces, that responsibility begins at the front door. A well-designed entrance sets the tone for accessibility throughout the building, and that’s where glass entrances can play a vital role.

At Open Entrances, we design glass entrance solutions that don’t just look modern – they help businesses meet accessibility requirements, comply with relevant building regulations, and ensure everyone feels welcome from the moment they arrive.

Here’s how glass entrances can improve accessibility and support compliance.

1. Compliant With Accessibility Regulations

In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 requires that businesses make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to remove barriers that could exclude people with disabilities. This includes how easily someone can enter a building. Glass entrance systems, particularly automated or assisted-opening options, offer smooth, level, and obstruction-free access – often a key factor in compliance.

Our systems are designed to align with Part M of the Building Regulations, which sets out the legal requirements for accessibility in public buildings. This includes things like minimum opening widths, visibility markings, thresholds, and ease of operation – all of which are accounted for in our bespoke designs.

2. Smooth, Step-Free Access

Traditional doors with steps or heavy manual operation create unnecessary barriers. Our frameless or low-profile glass entrances can be designed to create level thresholds, making it easier for wheelchair users, people with mobility aids, parents with prams, or those carrying heavy items to enter comfortably and safely.

Pairing glass doors with automatic opening systems takes accessibility even further – eliminating the need to push, pull, or physically open the door at all. This isn’t just convenient – it’s essential for true inclusion.

3. Increased Visibility and Safety

Glass entrances offer clear lines of sight in and out of a building, reducing the likelihood of accidental collisions and helping those with visual impairments navigate more confidently. We incorporate high-contrast visibility markings on glass panels in line with safety and accessibility standards, ensuring all users can see and understand where the entrance is.

Well-lit glass entrances also provide an extra layer of security and comfort, particularly in early morning or late evening hours, by allowing natural or internal light to spill out into external areas.

4. A More Welcoming Environment for All

Accessibility isn’t only about meeting standards – it’s about how people feel when they arrive at your building. Glass entrances give a sense of openness and transparency that helps create a more inclusive first impression.

People should never feel unsure, uncomfortable, or excluded when trying to enter a space. A thoughtful, accessible entrance shows your business cares – and that impression lasts.

5. Future-Proofing Your Building

Designing for accessibility now protects your business in the long run. Regulations may evolve, but the principles of inclusive design will remain. By investing in a compliant and adaptable entrance system today, you're future-proofing your building and avoiding costly retrofits later on.

At Open Entrances, we work with architects, facilities managers, and business owners to ensure every solution we install meets both current standards and practical, real-world needs.

Ready to Improve Access to Your Building?

If your current entrance isn’t delivering on accessibility, we can help. From automated glass doors to compliant thresholds and visibility features, we create tailored solutions that make your building more welcoming, inclusive, and future-ready.

Get in touch with Open Entrances today to discuss how we can help you meet regulations and open your doors to everyone.